Fixing Tents. tarps

MAKING TENTS, TARPS AND FUNCTIONAL FABRICS

Accidentscan happen. Sharp stones, dog claws, a branch grabbing the canvas... we've heard it all out there.
But a tear in your tent doesn't have to mean it's ruined. On the contrary, it can often be repaired at home - if you do it right.

Here's our guide to a permanent tent repair that can last for years to come.

1. What material is your tent made of?

To choose the right repair, you first need to know what fabric your tent is made of. Different materials require different types of adhesives and patches - and this makes a big difference to the durability of the repair.

Common tent materials:

• Silnylon (silicone-coated nylon)
• PU-coated nylon/polyester
• DCF/Dyneema

Not sure? Check the label on the tent or the manufacturer's specifications.

Example:
Hilleberg almost always uses silicone coated nylon (silnylon) in their outer tents (their Kerlon fabrics).

The Durston X-Mid series uses polyester instead, usually silpoly. The outside of Durston tents is silicone coated, which means that SIL repair products are the right choice if you are going to repair from the outside. If, on the other hand, you want to reinforce the inside as well, use WP products instead, as the inside has a coating that is better suited to this type of repair.

2. Check the damage - tear, hole or wear?

Different types of damage require different types of repair.

• Small hole → can often be sealed quickly
• Tear → best results with glue + reinforcement
• Damage near a seam → extra important to reinforce properly

Tip: If the tear "wants to continue" when you pull the fabric a little - repair it immediately before it gets bigger.

3. Prepare the surface (this makes the biggest difference)

This is where many people get sloppy - but it's also where the repair is decided.

• Lay the cloth on a flat surface
• Feel free to stretch the area a little so the tear is in the right place
• Clean around the damage (at least a few cm outside)
• Make sure the surface is completely dry

The aim is for the adhesive to stick to the canvas, not to dirt or moisture.

4. Make a permanent repair: glue + reinforcement

For a repair that really lasts, the combination is best:

Step A - Glue the tear
Apply a thin layer of Seam Grip over the tear (suitable for the material).

Step B - Reinforce with patch
A patch makes the repair much stronger and reduces the risk of the tear opening again.

• Make sure the patch covers at least 2-3 cm outside the damage
• Round the corners before applying it
• Press firmly into place

5. Let it harden - don't rush

What makes the patch 'permanent' is that it has time to set.

• Leave the tent flat, dry and still
  
• Avoid packing it up too early
  
• Check the edges when everything is dry

If you want to make it extra professional, you can add some extra sealing around the edges.

Ready to mend?

We have the repair products you need to fix your tent at home - from glue and patches to tape and repair kits.